Disney theme parks are set to undergo significant transformations with the introduction of new lands, updated attractions, and the return of beloved rides to their original concepts. These announcements, revealed at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, signal a major push to enhance the guest experience across Disney's global parks.
Walt Disney World Enhancements
At Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the highly anticipated expansion will officially be known as 'Villains Land.' This new area aims to bring a darker, more mischievous atmosphere, focusing on classic Disney villains. Visitors entering Villains Land will encounter a corrupted Wishing Well, hinting at a malevolent twist. The land will feature shops, restaurants, and two major attractions, including a new roller coaster themed around Maleficent and a second ride that will bring various Disney villains to life through the Magic Mirror.
Further details have emerged regarding new attractions at Piston Peak in Frontierland. 'Miss Fritter's Daredevil Spin-Along,' inspired by a character from Cars 3, will feature a large school-bus-sized animatronic. Additionally, the 'Cars Ridge Run Rally' will take guests on a journey through national parks, culminating in a climb up Piston Peak with an icy summit before a descent and navigation through a geyser field.
Animal Kingdom will see the debut of two new experiences. The 'Antonio's Fiesta de Encanto' ride will immerse guests in the world of Encanto, with voice actors from the film participating. Riders will journey through rooms in vehicles designed as furniture pieces powered by Casita. Also arriving at Animal Kingdom is 'Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent,' inspired by the Maya civilization, featuring an animatronic modeled after Harrison Ford. A new carousel, 'El Carrusel de los Animalitos,' will also be added, showcasing 22 hand-carved animals from various Disney and Pixar stories.
The Monsters, Inc.-inspired land, Monstropolis, is slated for a partial opening next year, including the song 'Welcome to Monstropolis' by Randy Newman. Visitors will have access to new dining options such as Archie's Scare Pig Pizza and Harryhausen's Restaurant, the latter featuring an animatronic sushi chef.
EPCOT is also receiving updates. Disney Experiences chairman Thomas Mazloum announced a renewed focus on the characters Dreamfinder and Figment, with the park taking "a new journey into imagination." Additionally, Spaceship Earth will undergo its first renovation in 20 years, concentrating on the theme of human connection.
Other additions include updates to Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, which will feature new scenes set in the 1980s, a new theme song, and voices provided by Jamie Lee Curtis and Bryan Cranston. Animatronic yeti will also be added to Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disneyland Paris Developments
Disneyland Paris will see its iconic Space Mountain undergo a significant refurbishment. The ride, originally themed to Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon, will close at the end of 2027 to restore its original concept, complete with enhanced queues and new special effects. Keith Rector, senior manager at Creative Art Direction at Walt Disney Imagineering Paris, stated that the reimagined attraction will utilize modern technology while honoring the ride's legacy.
Fans of The Lion King will experience the debut of the first Audio-Animatronics figure of Scar in a new immersive world at Disney Adventure World. This area, under construction since last autumn, will transport guests to an African savanna and include a new water-based attraction with state-of-the-art visual effects and character figures.
In 2028, Disneyland Paris will introduce a new daytime parade, the first since 2017. This parade will feature elaborate floats and costumes inspired by characters from films such as Aladdin, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled, and Coco.
Disney Cruise Line Additions
The Disney Cruise Line will welcome a new ship, the Disney Believe, in 2027. The ship's themes will draw from films like Frozen, Encanto, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Moana, and The Little Mermaid. It will feature sculptures of Woody and Buzz Lightyear and a bow decorated with an image of Tinker Bell. Three additional ships in a new class are also planned for the future.